Flexible working arrangements

The National Employment Standards (NES) include a right for eligible employees to request flexible working arrangements from their employer. This request may only be refused on ‘reasonable business grounds’.

Flexible working arrangements were introduced to assist employees to achieve balance between work and their personal lives and, in particular, to help them with family responsibilities.

Employees are likely to be more appreciative of their employer and happier in their employment if their employer can work with them to minimise stress and issues related to meeting the demands of their work and home life. Flexible working arrangements can also benefit employers by increasing staff retention and productivity.